Khotseng, Lindiwe. E.Seroka, Ntalane Sello2023-02-102024-05-132024-05-132022https://hdl.handle.net/10566/14669Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThe sun is considered the most abundant source of renewable and clean energy. With silicon being the most common element used for the direct conversion of solar energy into electrical energy, solar cells have, over the years, been the corresponding technology to the problem of energy on our planet. This technology is most common in aerospace applications. Nonetheless, the application in terrestrial areas is currently hampered by the high cost of photovoltaic modules. Therefore, the study focuses on the extraction and synthesis of silicon nanostructures from sugarcane bagasse ash. Notably, silicon is found in this feedstock in the form of silicic acid and predominantly as silica. The study's main goal could be achieved through the sustainable extraction of silica from sugarcane bagasse ash and subsequent transformation into nanostructured silicon.enSugarcane bagasseSilicaSiliconSolar energyChemistryUniversity of the Western Cape